Prakash Provision Store

Our shop, Prakash Provision Store, is located in Chikhlee on the 7th Kasturba Cross Road. It’s a residential area with a lot of families. We’ve been here long enough that we’ve seen the kids in the neighborhood grow up and start coming in to buy things for their own homes. The shop is tucked away a bit, but the locals know the way. We keep all the basic things people need daily, like flour, oil, and lentils. The bags are stacked along the walls, and we have glass jars for the smaller items. It’s a bit of a maze inside if you aren’t used to it. The roof leaks a tiny bit in one corner when the monsoon rains are really heavy, so we have to move the stock around during those months. It’s just one of those things you deal with. We don't have a computer system; we still write everything down in a thick ledger book. It works fine for us. Sometimes the electricity goes out in the afternoon, so we just leave the door open for the natural light. We sit on plastic stools near the front and wait for the next person to walk in. It’s a quiet way to spend the day. We aren't looking to change much. We just like being the place where people can get what they need without any fuss. The neighbors often stop by just to chat for a while after they finish their shopping.